And that's how I was a voice shouted back.The boy was very surprised. It Is Finished! Matthew 24:11. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com [5] Bent asserts that though he lay "naked with virgins" and the virgins asked him for sex, he refused. But these are underage children. who was doing surgery. girls? I was in Virginia, and they were in He is an Englishman. Theologically, Strong City is a cult of Christianity due to its departure from the essential doctrines of Christianity. Anderson Cooper who hosts "A.C. 360" at the top of the hour. Its just gonna be awesome to leave this world behind. June 10, 2022 by . he's channeling some other being. Psychology Podcast. Either way, you lose what you love most to someone who does not deserve it. not want to be bailed for that amount. O'REILLY: But that should be a signal to every one of the 50 people that the guy is a kook. While he's credited with buying up huge patches of the city and pushing the mob out in favor of more legitimate businessmen, he also condemned what he saw. Your cult leader will tell you what God wants, but there is no way to really truly know if those wants are those of God or the cult leader himself. of that child and the investigation grew from there. He was in the courtroom today for Wayne Cults Messiah Struggles With False Doomsday Prophesy. his father is, I'm a born again Christian. This question has long fascinated me. One of the 15 children Asahara fathered, Rika Matsumoto, was 12 when her father was brought in. The Russians have a 10:1 advantage, as the soldiers keep stating, and the numbers bear it out. And that's what he was doing? some how, it was like, all of heaven was open to me. Well, somehow, it was the son of God holding me. Please ignore small changes that still need to be made in spelling, syntax and grammar. everybody gives what they have into the community pot, and we all pitch By KING: All you need to get was $5,000 and a bail bondsman, right? (LogOut/ the innocence of the leader, rather than his guilt. And then he broke off from them and formed, as he Prosecutors noted that the father of three was caught lying naked in bed with the teen and her younger sister separate occasions in 2014. [11] Jeff Bent stated that the National Geographic documentary was highly inaccurate and inflammatory in nature. of the year of jubilee. I am Li Qin. various skills and trades and our work is here right now. own way to get his own needs met. Take Santa Claus, for example. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Exactly. Your father was arraigned today. Its the end of the world as we know it. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. This website is in BETA. One guy in control of 50 and you stay there 15 years or something like that. laying there, and it's like - for the first time, I was like, God loves removed from it. State Police. WELCH: You have to be naked and unashamed before God. [1] In 2008, the community consisted of approximately fifty people. Whats a Messiah to do when his doomsday prediction has come and gone? The poison-laced drink was brought to the hall and dispensed. BENT: Sir, we were divorced - separated. But the difference between the sandbox and a religious cult is that when you are in the cult, there is only one kid is making up the narrative, while the others are left subjugated to their rules. Seems like a good deal, right? J. like the person who asked that question should consider that, because would actually have to appear in court and make those allegations in public. He became a cult leader. Cognitive dissonance is what happens when the thing that you thought was true bumps into reality. According to CBS News, conditions of Bent's release include not leaving the county without court permission and having no contact with the alleged victims or other minors unless they're blood relatives. It was a new person. Bent chose that date after calculating a Biblical prophecy number (490) and adding it to the year 1517, when the Protestant Reformation began, yielding 2007 as a result. 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This messiah has not touched the Earth. We have been in a great battle, and still the persecutors rage, but to us their dark world is meaningless, their howling sounds unheard by us. You might see your question on LARRY All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We are an independent psychology podcast. The operation was a success, but he later developed complications requiring a follow-up surgery. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Show Transcript. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com, Prosecutors said the father-of-three was caught lying naked in bed with the teen and her younger sister on separate, Former elementary school teacher who sexually assaulted 'girls who had divorced parents' convicted, Florida man, 42, 'solicited nude photos from girl, 12, he met on Instagram then flew to Oregon for a weekend of sex abuse', Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' arraignment this morning. Travesser/Bent runs The Lord Our Righteousness Church, a sect based in Travesser Park, New Mexico. This is not a legal transcript for purposes of litigation. the courtroom. But to you and the other children in the sandbox, an entire universe is being imagined and created right in front of you. BENT: It was very shocking and unexpected. All rights reserved. completely convinced of his own righteousness. other members of the cult. there was a possibility of him coming and pretty soon, it's 15 years. Transcription Copyright 2007 Voxant, Inc. (www.voxant.com), which takes sole responsibility for the accuracy of the transcription. It is believed that Michael Travesser and his followers still reside at their compound in New Mexico. [23] He has since published a book about his legal case on his website. ALLEN ARMSTRONG, FORMER MINISTER: Well, I was drawn to it as a The charges were three counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Doomsday Cults recruit followers on the promise that when the world ends, they will find a new and better world than the one they left behind. I believe that a polygamist practice would be a literal After leading his acolytes to New Mexico seven years ago, he for a man who is coming up on his 67th birthday, this represents a J. TUNGUSKA: Ancient Meteorite Destroyer Complex in Siberias Valley ofDeath? He was in court today. Peace Week 2022: Extending the Dream Celebration. Most notably at The Las Vegas Arts District. He's here Maybe God is sending you a message, or maybe you did something to deserve this? The people in charge are a death cult, they think it is glorious to go to Walhalla by falling on the field of battle. Massages; Body Scrubs; Facial (a la cart) Both fictional characters that were devised by cultural norms, both have been reinforced by society collectively for decades. It was like - I don't ever want to Just as with Jesus, they've convicted an innocent man, Bent said after the verdict, adding that his unjust conviction was part of God's plan. he shouted."Who are you? It was reported that he had inappropriate contact with those children. knew him. KING: Ben, do you think Wayne believes it or is he in the con artist vein? We have referred to his group in previous posts and have shared about one survivor of that group named Prudence Welch. sex, even though it does - the world looks at sex as this amorous, calls himself this sort of sacrificial lamb for the group, I think, is WELCH: I wasn't naked, no. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. Anthony said I came to find out how Michael Travesser runs his cult and see what happens when doomsday finally arrived. KING: OK. Ben Anthony, what did you - you did this documentary for He was also found guilty of molesting a 16-year-old girl, but claimed during the trial that it was a spiritual healing ritual. and he says there's another side to this story, right after the break. Michael Travesser, the leader of a religious group widely known as the Strong City Cult, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual misconduct with two young girls. Earthly normal marriage relationship carried out between more than two Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. MATT GRUBS, KOAT-TV, ATTENDED HEARING: Well, Larry, this is Wayne Bent. So he did not have sex with my wife. That's why I left, because WELCH: Yeah, because they throw a fit, they play with toys. WELCH: My parents joined a year before I did. Take for example living in a religious cult. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. you know, the next day, father sent you. have a lot of experience to bank on him and I know perfectly well, I am divinity and humanity Who knows what state theyll be in? So, I He got more and more, over the years, into, after I left, into It This is a rush transcript from "The O'Reilly Factor," May 2, 2008. Posted by Michael Travesser at 1:34 PM | (17) Comments, I am writing to the family to give an overall view of the events of our last twenty one years together as a church family. When something good happens, it is Gods will. cult leader. You will believe what they say because you have faith in them, and through that faith, their demands are rationalized. We arrive at ten to twelve and wait by the gate in the moonlight. KING: Jeff Bent will be back with us in awhile. A lot of times when you're told you're going to go to heaven if you do something, you'll do it if you have a drive in that direction. J. The younger girl said that lying naked with Bent was a 'religious healing experience' for her and had nothing to do with sex. The FBI and New Mexico State Policeare keeping a close eye on a group of about 70 people who have settled in a self-styled cult in northeastern New Mexico. For some reason the phrase Kill the unbelievers! keeps racing through my head. BENT: No, sir, I believe they are requiring that in cash. [16], On December 15, 2008, jurors convicted Wayne Bent of one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Demands like God told me I am supposed to sleep with your wife or God told me I should take your daughter as my wife, or God told me that we need to kill ourselves before the Second Coming. June 14, 2022; Posted by . BERNSTEIN: He absolutely does. During his trial, Bent denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he only placed his hands on the girls' sternums, not breasts, as part of spiritual cleansing rituals. The leader of an apocalyptic New Mexico cult who is serving a 10-year sentence for molesting a teenage girl is set to get an early release to undergo cancer treatment. No one comes to the Father except through me.". The cult has been dogged with rumors Bent is set to lead followers to suicide - although he has claimed in the past they are not a suicide cult. and unashamed. Strong City. to take over. I can tell you Larry, I of all people have a reason not to love him. And there they have been for the past the fact that I know God. According to the state Department of Public Safety, one of the girls no longer lives in the community. [6], British journalist Alex Hannaford visited Strong City in 2004, investigating claims that the group was contemplating suicide. where they ended up having nothing. Journey to the center of a CULT. What do they say to their leader once the prophecy fails? According to Daily Mail, Wayne Bent was sentenced in 2008 (a year after Doomsday) to 10 years in prison for criminal sexual contact with a minor in his cult, and for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. BENT: Well, I would like to correct something, Larry, for the record. Jesus is the Creator, the Son of God, God in the flesh, the Righteous Judge, the Christ or Messiah, King of the Jews, the Lord, and the Savior of the entire world. SANTA FE - Religious sect leader Wayne Bent, sentenced in 2008 to 10 years in prison for lying with two naked teenage girls in what Bent and his followers maintain was a spiritual healing rite, is. SHILLING: Larry, my understanding is, is bail was reduced from a half a O'REILLY: In this documentary that you guys are running, this guy is having sex with all the women and all of that, right? We appreciate it, and we hope you have a good life from now on in. And I'll say more than that. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. expert on cults. Bent chose that date after calculating a Biblical prophecy number (490) and adding it to the year 1517, when the Protestant Reformation began, yielding 2007 as a result. ARMSTRONG: Well, I was going to say, they've given up grace and God for Alexander Hamilton said, if you dont stand for something, you will fall for anything. Undoubtedly, having a sense of belief gives humans a sense of purpose. BERNSTEIN: I think in part because they don't want to see it. Jeff's father, who also goes by the name of Michael Travesser, was He created a problem; he has the solution. georgia forensic audit pulitzer; pelonis box fan manual It contains frequently-updated writings and videos, including a nearly two-hour-long documentary entitled Experiencing the Finished Work. And the whole purpose of these seven The ages and sex of the children in state custody were made public: a 16-year-old boy (no charges of abuse were filed in connection with the boy), a 16-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl. KING: When you watch the panel discussion, and you heard them say that Some forums can only be seen by registered members. I'm looking for God to get It originated with a group of about eighty adherents who migrated to the area from Sandpoint, Idaho in 2000. The cult was responsible for a Tokyo subway gas attack that killed 13 people and injured many more. When a human being is taking orders from an imaginary, other-worldly being, things get messy because the person communicating to God on your behalf is actually a psychopathic narcissist. to see God. They also unsuccessfully attempted to release toxic hydrogen cyanide at rush hour in subway stations. Somehow, I started well, he might come in this year or this year, and every few months, Claimed to be God and that Doomsday would be on October 31, 2007 is at midnight when there would be an event of apocalyptic proportions, marking the end of the world. the shower. And I just decided I wanted to go to hell because it was much easier; I'd be happier. And And you have to experience God forcing serious inner thoughts, so it's a very peculiar place to spend time. And then when you see these robots come out is there some kind of brainwashing that happens? But we knew that the prophesy indicated the end of a very important age, [19] According to the church's website, Bent entered a religious fast that takes the form of a Jubilee fast. Everyone's favorite space father-son duo is finally back. Former Strong City Cult Member Speaks Out. BERNSTEIN: I think he believes he has powers greater than other humans, Businesses owned by locals as opposed to large corporations give the district more cultural weight. But He spent several weeks at the compound last year, night, 10:00 p.m. On our good friends at the National Geographic Channel. In this way, it is easier to ignore evidence that may suggest otherwise, and to rationalize something to such an extent that it will fit into our construct of reality. He claims he left that church because he got fed up with the people. I'd be a physician, an M.D. Right now, let's check in with At midnight horns ring out from loudspeakers and we can hear voices raised in jubilation. His followers are also calling for his release. KING: Rachel, the charismaticness, he has that, right? Everyone was extremely welcoming, and very good company. I love him dearly. Teens Taken From Cult at Center of New Film. "[5], The group's website has been taken down several times and reinstated. In many respects, Michael Travesser's Strong City Cult is a textbook example of what cult mentality looks like: mind control, herd mentality, and exploitation. We all have jobs here where we serve each other and we perform BENT: Just 50 people here. O'REILLY: That is illegal in New Mexico. Bill recently spoke with a former member of the Strong City Cult, which will be profiled on the National Geographic Channel on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:00 p.m. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BILL O'REILLY,. He will be with us the last two played, and that was that we were expecting the apocalypse and the end And I - I think the people I worked with enjoyed me. enjoyed it. We are naked Here in New Mexico, those are all felonies. WELCH: Yes, all the children. KING: Do you ever question your beliefs, Jeff? A former member - and the father of two of Bent's victims - has told The Sun that if the cult members were on a suicide mission, no one could stop them. Your father goes by Michael Travesser. I thought - fulfilled October 31 last year. So there's a lot of misconceptions about The district attorney in this case has indicated that he may actually go And that is in the air. KING: What do you do for a living? We will choose to believe in something even when presented with evidence that it is not true. Ukraine, World War 3: What does the Bible Say? But there are those who believe in the good of humanity, and there are those who only believe in themselves. No license is granted to the user of this material except for the user's personal or internal use and, in such case, only one copy may be printed, nor shall user use any material for commercial purposes or in any fashion that may infringe upon FOX News Network, LLC'S and Voxant, Inc.'s copyrights or other proprietary rights or interests in the material. never seen him contrive a story once for his own self- interest. KING: So is that - is your group considered polygamist? Don't go away. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. As leader of a cult in a remote corner of New Mexico called Strong City, this 66-year-old former sailor, previously called Wayne Bent, has spent nearly 20 years preparing his 56 unquestioning and devoted followers for Doomsday. BENT: We were separated permanently in August of 2006 and we had When things like this happen, the world starts to make a little less sense. [4] Bent claims that, during an experience in his living room in June 2000, God told him, "You are Messiah." As Oscar Wilde said, a thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.. After reading a bit more of Michael the Messiahs post on the It is Finished thread, weve come to this conclusion: What to say about a group of people who have made the decision to live in perpetual fear of this life? Colorado and Oklahoma and Texas. forever and ever that it's so. And this is where things start to go awry. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Offers may be subject to change without notice. And so I was surprised, yet I saw the truth in it Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. All you must do is wait. What is the legal name? BENT: My work is here. He wants to explain He isn't an English teacher. Bent's appearance. In New Mexico, criminal sexual contact is contact They believe they have to do something, or be Bent announced that the Day of Judgment (End of the World) would be on October 31, 2007. I have been thinking about this question a lot lately. Bent started to tell followers he had been anointed by God as the Messiah. Bent told the group this was a test of their faith. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 21 women and 18 men voluntarily committed suicide in three groups on three successive days starting on 1997-MAR-23. It was terminated. Copyright 2023 The Inquisitr. It was like, this was God holding me. Who is this man? And to our knowledge as of Your child goes to sit on his lap to tell him what they want, but then your child accidentally pulls their beard off. End Times Bible Prophecy and News, End Times Deception, Societal Collapse, Apostasy, False Christs Prophets Apostles Teachers, Whore of Babylon Church, Opinion, Commentary & Bible Teaching, Demonic Power, War, Rumors of War, Famine, Pestilence, Familiar Spirits,Salvation in Jesus Christ, NWO, UFOs, Earthquakes, Counterfeit Christianity, New World Order, Conspiracies, Nephilim, Giants, Signs and Lying Wonders, End Times Sin & Corruption. worldly interests that they have. tonight's show is from the documentary "Inside A Cult". that film, asking or explaining what that prophesy meant and how we Go to CNN.com/larryking and They say they are all preparing for death, to go to a better place. W. BENT: I am the embodiment of God. Constance Marten: The former Tatler It-girl who became estranged from her aristocratic family The 36-year-old grew up at Crichel House, a sprawling country estate in Dorset If youre interested in additional information, the Cult Education Institute has a plethora of resources available here. he helped sucker me in. To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject Article continues below advertisement Michael Travesser / Wayne Bent Michael Travesser is actually a pseudonym created by a man named Wayne Bent. We're going to do more on this, but we've run out He will not step foot on this earth. what happened to strong city cult. It's spiritual. It seems ears hear. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain". . Last month, a judge ordered Bent to be released so he could undergo the necessary procedure on his ear canal outside of the prison system. Were not quite sure who the persecutors are that Michael refers to. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Travesser/Bents attorney has indicated she will file an appeal. But what also emerged, was an unfolding tale of control, manipulation, and sex.. Families Department here in New Mexico, Child Protective Services, When I first joined, it was the next spring, and a few years later, And there are other people who are closely candy store of his own making. That was - I would say that was just a lie. Sign up for End Times Prophecy Report's free headline report. I Its leader Wayne Curtis Bent, born May 18, 1941,[1][2] is known as Michael Travesser within the church. the voice shouted back . In Seattle is Prudence take care of everybody. And, Jesus had still not come. But I think he's just speaking, in his Most were in their 40s; the rest covered an age range of 26 to 72. LAURA INGRAHAM, GUEST HOST: In the "Personal Story" segment tonight: accusations that American children are being sexually abused in religious cults. that was more and more individual freedoms being lost by the people, and BENT: How am I paid? History [ edit] SHILLING: Larry, I do not. KING: Thank you very much, Matt Grubs and Captain Robert Shilling. He will have to serve at least 8 years before becoming eligible for release. crosby, tx police reports And once they are out, they start to realize that all the rationalizations they created, all the compromises they made, were created by that one kid in the sandbox to keep everyone in line. Globe Staff May 7, 2008. Michael Drane explores the Strong City Cult and what happens the day after doomsday. what happened to strong city cult. Mexico, at this level, does not accept or request a plea to the charges That's what After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads. Tens of published articles to be added daily. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. But they pass us by, calling out, We no longer exist! Is this really it? are, and he's not willing that I pursue giving that kind of money to the It's as though the language that's used within the cult is something Feel a bit freaked out. The former Seventh-Day Adventist pastor founded his sect in 1987. Although he left the compound with his wife and daughters after being a church member for sixteen years, Sayer returned with his 14-year-old daughter to the compound a second time. of Corrections: Clarification needed for cult leaders release | KRQE News 13. The Office of Student Life invites all VSU students to come learn more about Valdosta State and the surrounding community! Enjoy music, free food, games, and plenty . SHILLING: No, sir. He told me about it shortly UPDATE 9-24-2016: Brillo, as we take these matters seriously, have conscientiously looked into your contention. January 11, 2017 by Bear Ian Leave a Comment. I know the word of God. [14], A June 17 update from Bent's web site and other news reports state that New Mexico authorities released one of the young women previously taken from the compound from state custody. shocking behavior that put his father behind bars. If you have something like this come and hit you, and you are of the world on that date and to translate to heaven and so forth. upc. Santa cant be everywhere, so he sends helpers to the mall to dress like him so they can collect the childrens orders and bring them back to him..